 Occupational
therapist assistants work under the direction of
occupational therapists
to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical,
emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve
clients' quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. For
example, occupational therapist assistants help injured workers re-enter
the labor force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills
or help individuals with learning disabilities increase their
independence.
Occupational therapist
assistants, commonly known as occupational therapy assistants, help
clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a
treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational
therapist. Activities range from teaching the proper method of moving
from a bed into a wheelchair to the best way to stretch and limber the
muscles of the hand. Assistants monitor an individual's activities to
make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide
encouragement. They also record their client's progress for the
occupational therapist. If the treatment is not having the intended
effect, or the client is not improving as expected, the therapist may
alter the treatment program in hopes of obtaining better results. In
addition, occupational therapist assistants document the billing of the
client's health insurance provider.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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